Axis Bank Select Credit Card vs IRCTC SBI Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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In short: IRCTC SBI Premier has the lower annual fee (₹1,499 vs ₹3,000); Axis Select includes 2 airport lounge visits a quarter, IRCTC SBI Premier 8 railway lounge visits a year; both charge a 3.5% forex markup.
| Key facts | Axis Select | IRCTC SBI Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹3,000 | ₹1,499 |
| Joining fee | ₹3,000 | Not listed |
| Annual fee waived | On ₹8 lakh annual spend | On ₹2 lakh annual spend |
| Lounge access | 2 airport lounge visits a quarter | 8 railway lounge visits a year |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
From issuer benefit data, checked 22 Oct 2026. Rewards, milestones and welcome benefits are in the full table below.
The Axis Bank Select Credit Card and the Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card both offer unique benefits catering to different spending habits. Axis Bank Select focuses on premium rewards and extensive lounge access, while the IRCTC SBI Premier card targets frequent travelers using IRCTC services with specific cashback and reward points. Comparing fees, rewards, and travel perks helps identify which card suits your lifestyle better.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
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| Feature | Axis Bank Select Credit Card | Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Axis Bank | SBI Cards |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
| Joining fee | Joining Fee of Rs.3000 | — |
| Annual / renewal fee | Second Year Onwards Annual Fee of Rs.3000 | Annual Fees - Rs.1499 |
| Annual fee waiver | Spend Rs.8 Lakh For Waiver of Annual Fee | Spend Rs.2 Lakhs For Waiver of Renewal Fee |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 10 EDGE Reward Points Per Rs.200 | Earn 1 Reward Points Per Rs.125 Spent on Retail |
| Lounge — domestic | 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter | Enjoy 8 Complimentary Railway Lounge Access in a Year |
| Lounge — international | 12 Complimentary International Airport Lounge Access | — |
| Welcome benefit | Welcome Benefit - 10000 EDGE REWARD Points | Get 1500 Reward Points on Payment of Annual Fee |
| Milestone benefit | Earn 5000 EDGE Reward Points on Spend of Rs.3 Lakhs | Earn 2500 Reward Points on Travel; Earn 5000 Reward Points on Travel |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
The Axis Bank Select Credit Card provides a higher reward rate with 10 EDGE Reward Points per Rs.200 spent and accelerated 2X points on retail, plus a welcome benefit of 10,000 points. It also offers milestone rewards at Rs.3 lakhs spend. In contrast, the IRCTC SBI Premier card offers 1 reward point per Rs.125 spent, with bonus points on dining and utility, and special 5% back on IRCTC air ticket and e-catering purchases. Overall, Axis Bank Select is better for general rewards accumulation, while the IRCTC SBI card is more niche, rewarding IRCTC-related spends.
Which is better for travel?
Axis Bank Select clearly leads in travel benefits with 2 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per quarter and 12 international lounge accesses annually, plus 6 complimentary golf rounds. The IRCTC SBI Premier card offers 8 complimentary railway lounge accesses per year but lacks international lounge benefits. Additionally, IRCTC SBI card’s rewards focus on travel via IRCTC bookings, making it suitable for frequent railway travelers, whereas Axis Bank Select suits those seeking premium airport lounge access and broader travel perks.
Which has lower effective cost?
The Axis Bank Select Credit Card has a higher joining and renewal fee of Rs.3000 with a waiver on spending Rs.8 lakhs, which might be steep for moderate spenders. The IRCTC SBI Premier card charges Rs.1499 annually with a waiver on Rs.2 lakhs spend, making it more affordable and easier to waive fees. Both cards have a 3.5% forex markup and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. For cost-conscious or beginner users, the IRCTC SBI card offers a lower fee barrier and simpler waiver criteria.
Co-brand Focus
The IRCTC SBI Premier card is co-branded with IRCTC, offering specific rewards like 5% back on IRCTC air ticket and e-catering purchases, which is valuable for frequent railway users. Axis Bank Select is a general Visa card without co-branding, focusing on broader retail and travel rewards.
Lounge Access Types
Axis Bank Select provides a mix of domestic and international airport lounge access, including 12 international visits annually, beneficial for air travelers. IRCTC SBI Premier offers 8 complimentary railway lounge accesses annually, catering primarily to train travelers.
Who should pick Axis Bank Select Credit Card?
Consider Axis Bank Select Credit Card if you prefer premium travel benefits including extensive airport lounge access, higher reward points on retail spends, and are comfortable with a higher annual fee that can be waived with significant spending. This card suits users looking for a luxury travel experience and substantial rewards on general spends.
Who should pick Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card?
Consider Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card if you frequently use IRCTC services such as railway travel and e-catering and want targeted cashback on these spends. It is also suitable for those seeking a lower annual fee with easier waiver conditions and complimentary railway lounge access, making it ideal for regular train travelers and budget-conscious users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Axis Bank Select charges Rs.3000 annually with a waiver if you spend Rs.8 lakhs. IRCTC SBI Premier charges Rs.1499 annually with a waiver on Rs.2 lakhs spend.
Axis Bank Select offers 10 EDGE Reward Points per Rs.200 and 2X points on retail spends, while IRCTC SBI Premier offers 1 reward point per Rs.125 spent on retail.
Neither card offers a waiver; both charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions.
Axis Bank Select provides 2 domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter and 12 international lounge accesses annually. IRCTC SBI Premier offers 8 complimentary railway lounge accesses per year but no airport lounges.
Axis Bank Select offers 10,000 EDGE Reward Points as a welcome benefit. IRCTC SBI Premier provides 1500 Reward Points on payment of the annual fee.
IRCTC SBI Premier is better suited for frequent train travelers due to its IRCTC co-branding, 5% back on IRCTC bookings, and complimentary railway lounge access.